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Curtis Campbell Obituary
October 3, 1931 - October 15, 2024
Encampment, Wyoming - Curtis Campbell, longtime Sacramento area resident, passed away in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on October 15, 2024, at the age of 93. Curt was born in Sayre, Pennsylvania, in 1931. He entered the Air Force in 1948 and had a long career as a flight engineer. He flew on many test flights while stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, including the first ever flight of the C-130. After settling in the Sacramento area while stationed at Mather and McClellan, he retired as a master sergeant in 1968, received a degree in criminal justice from Sacramento State University, and went on to have a second career as a first a deputy coroner and later a criminal investigator for the Sacramento County Public Defender's office. He finally retired for good after a third career as a private investigator.
After raising six kids in first North Highlands and later Lincoln, California, Curt moved to Saratoga, Wyoming, in 2003, where he continued to hike the Snowy Range including Medicine Bow Peak well even after the passing of his beloved wife and hiking partner in 2013. Curt was interested in everybody and wanted to know the life story of every person he met. He gave cash to strangers, picked up hitchhikers, and on at least three occasions gave a room and a steady meal to unhoused people he met on the street.
Predeceased by his beloved wife, Judy, and son John Campbell of Rough and Ready, as well as sisters Isabel Francis, Dorothy Mae Whitmer, and Esther Shippey. Survived by daughter Paty Marshall-Stace of Victoria, Australia, son Joe Campbell (Beverly) of Cheyenne, Wyoming, daughter Song Kowbell of Penn Valley, daughter Beth Campbell (Jeremy Lockwood) of Sacramento, and son Sam Campbell (Anna Senecal) of Anchorage, Alaska. He also leaves behind fourteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews, cousins, and past and present in-laws whom he counted in his sprawling and much-loved family.
Services to be held in Sacramento at a time to be announced.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries
Liz
November 9, 2024
Rest in peace, my friend.
Tom Roehr
November 3, 2024
I knew Curt during his career as a Public Defender Investigator he was one of my go-to investigators on a number of homicide and death penalty cases. He was always very thorough. His work at the Coroner´s Office together with his natural affinity for people made him a great investigator.
He was also a good friend and I heard many tales about his Air Force exploits, the exploits of his kids, and adventures of he and his wife.
He will be missed by many and the world was a better place for his having been here.
Glenda Emigh
November 2, 2024
Curt was ever mindful of family, including distant cousins, and preserving the information of those who came before us. He and Judy made my brother, granddaughter me feel so welcomed when we spent a few days with them in Wyoming. We made memories I will never forget.
Judy Beard
November 1, 2024
Curt lived an adventurous life & loved to share many stories about his experiences. He was very caring, generous & had a great sense of humor. Curt was a loving & loyal friend to my husband Lonnie. He truly missed him & the fun times they shared during their careers & in retirement. Curt will definitely be missed. Rest in Peace Dear Friend
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